Communism did a lot to get rid of  religious adherence in Albania. A lot of people will say they are Muslim, but they have never set foot in a mosque or even read the Quran. They say they are Muslim because they were born in a Muslim family, same as in the US people say they are Christian but dont really practice. There are those who practice the Muslim faith, but most of them don't.

"Modern & Uneven" This is exactly what makes Albania so loveable!! 🇦🇱💖

Thanks Spence, very helpful video. I’m looking forward to my move over there. I plan on joining smile abroad community soon!!! Hope you guys were safe during that crazy storm that just came through.
Love you both, great content!
😊keep on smiling.

Another informative, sensible video, thank you!👍💯

It's amazing how good both of you are in front of the camera. I'm very impressed.  That was a lot of points to go through. But you did it very smoothly.

Here is the 13 thing:  Estimates show nearly 4 out of 10 adults use tobacco products, placing Albania among the highest-ranking countries in Europe for tobacco consumption. Although anti-smoking laws technically ban smoking indoors in places like bars, restaurants, and cafes, these rules are widely ignored or poorly enforced, and secondhand smoke exposure is common.

Good one and good info! Thanks.  I like that I know nothing historic about Albania.  That would make it fun to learn and explore and study.

I was wondering if you could walk us through how you found your apartment, maybe give us a tour, and share how much it costs a month? -- Thank you.

from one youtuber to another , hope you guys are okay out there after the storm. we only got the rain in Tirana

Hi Spencer, you really tell how it actually is in Albania. Thank you, I wish you the best.

Great video with great information for those considering moving abroad or  to anywhere.  Until you live in a place for about a year or two do you really understand the culture and if the lifestyle fits you. Spreadsheets can look great but it doesn’t always fit the reality of being there, the daily lifestyle and one’s priorities. And sometimes there are other factors like visa requirements,  and then the  country will make a decision for you!.

I'm an American who just arrived in Tirana yesterday for the first time in five years (spent three months in Tirana and one month in Durres in 2021). I can confirm all of these points. Saw an older woman wipe out on the sidewalk today. She stayed down for about a minute before her husband could get her up. Remember not to shuffle on sidewalks like these -- toes up and land heels first. Food prices are a bit shocking, and some things -- like nuts and pineapple, both staples of my diet -- are significantly more expensive than in the U.S. Albania has Burger King now, only its second American-style fast food place after KFC, and the prices there are higher than you'll find in most other Balkan countries with similar economies.

I get the same sense that Albania is kind of happening now. The airport was an absolute zoo yesterday afternoon.  Took 20 minutes to get a bus out to our plane. It's early, but so far it even seems like the stray dogs appear a bit more content, well fed and less oppressed. The general vibe wasn't helped, however, by a police blockade today of a large part of central Tirana. The people who are protesting, among other things, the Kushners buying an Albanian island used for military purposes apparently were afoot, and may fortune look with favor on their efforts. Many, many dozens of cops over many blocks, appearing a bit thuggish (though I didn't see any behavior suggesting that) blocking off just the part of town I needed to walk through to get where I'm staying. Had to go about a mile out of my way to get back. The nature in this country always stuns me. It's truly blessed in that regard. A little like parts of California, with similar dry summers.

I felt completely safe walking around Saranda by myself. The people were all kind and helpful. I am looking forward to living there.

Cool Sgt. Pepper mustache😊

3:03, Yes, thank you for pointing out the danger of the slip and falls. I have been trying to explain to friends and family back home how the surfaces of things are usually so much slicker than what we are used to.

I first went to Albania in 2012. Surrounding countries said don’t bother with Albania. Travel was rough, infrastructure wasn’t great, furgons and taxis were the only way to get around. The people were sweet and they loved Americans! Who knew? Not me! I had a blast! Went back in 2024 and things have changed…for the better😊 Stay cool Albania❤️

Great video thank you

The 20 percent decrease in purchasing power is the same if not worse here

Within one week of being here I've been called a f*ggot twice on the street in Tirana, in tourist areas, & I'm not even flamboyant. You hear loud calls to prayer everyday, at least here in Tirana, where you will also be greeted by numerous women in full niqab (meaning only the eyes are visible). The poverty is grinding, & while there might be a lot of restaurants, they are all empty. I went into a nice California-style health food store & though the shop owner was nice overall, she made several remarks to express growing distaste with specifically American expats, even saying we didn't deserve the easy access, etc - I bought my coconut oil & left lol Modern infrastructure is non-existent, not sure how or why anyone would even try passing this place off as remotely modern. It's far less developed than southeast Asia & even less than two Caribbean nations I lived in - even getting around Tirana requires efforts I've never seen anywhere else & the airport is a chaotic nightmare - no way I'd want this to be my hub, as 30% of your travel anywhere will be planning around the horrendous Tirana airport. I'm glad you guys are having a great time but I wanted to let others know that if you don't shelter yourself in enclaves while throwing exorbitant amounts of money at the locals (i.e. buying their favor), you probably won't enjoy this place.

Hi Spencer!  Do you guys know anyone who's expatted to Gjirokaster?